Experiments on the Potato- Crop. 557 



a similar falling off when planted more than a foot apart in 

 the rows : — 



Flukes, at 1 foot, the net average pvocluco was 

 Flukes, at 1 foot 3 inches „ 



Flukes, at 1 foot 6 inches „ 



This diminution of the crop, through reducing the number of 

 the sets per acre, is remarkably uniform, and as nearly as 

 possible proportionate to the distance at which the sets are planted. 



The general tenor of these experiments points to an interval 

 of 10 or 12 inches in the rows, as being the most profitable 

 distance at which to plant large full-sized potatoes, of from 4 to 

 8 ozs. in weight. A moderate increase in the net-crop may be 

 expected from still further diminishing the distance when the 

 sets are below 4 ozs. in weight ; but this point will be again 

 referred to in considering 



Thirdly. The comparative results obtained from planting equal 

 weights of large and small Potatoes respectively. 



In the previous series of comparisons (1) the advantage of 

 large over small sets, placed at similar distances, was very striking, 

 large sets producing a much greater crop than an equal num- 

 ber of small sets on the same area, and the crop bearing a very 

 regular proportion to the weight of the individual sets. We have 

 now to ascertain whether by diminishing the distance and 

 increasing the number of small sets an equivalent can be obtained 

 for the increased individual productiveness of larger sets. 



1 ton 4 cwts. 1 qr. G lbs. of sets per acre, planted as — 



Per Acre, 

 tons. cwts. qrs. lbs. 



2 oz. sets, 1 foot apart, gave, on a number of experi-) ,-. -|i -. -• 



ments, a net average produce of J 



And as 1 oz. sets, 6 inches apart 12 13 



Balance in favour of small sets at close intervals of .. 8 3 6 



2 tons 8 cwts. 2 qrs. 13 lbs. weight of sets per acre, averaging 

 a number of experiments, planted — 



Per Acre. 

 tons. cwts. qrs. lbs. 



As 4: oz. sets, 1 foot apart, produced a net return of .. 13 9 'I'l 

 As 2 oz. sets, 6 inches apart 13 10 1 27 



Balance in favour of small sets at close intervals of .. 11 24i- 



4 tons 17 cwts. 26 lbs. planted — 



Per Acre, 

 tons. cwts. qrs. lbs. 



As 8 OZ. sets, 1 foot apart, produced a net return of .. 18 11 16 

 As 4 oz. sets, 6 inches apart .. ..17 3 1 5 



Balance in favour of large sets at wide intervals of . . 1 7 3 11 



